Big League Stew

Yearbook Finds: Fred McGriff and Mark Grace

Guys like Fred McGriff and Mark Grace must have been the coolest dudes at their respective high schools, right? Big, tall handsome multisport athletes with winning smiles and outgoing personalities. Yeah, they were the jocks that ruled the school.

Actually, today's kids might not know it to look at their yearbook photos:

Mark Eugene GraceTustin (Calif.) High, class of 1982.

Definitely a natural blond, but that hue of yellow shouldn't occur in nature. One more year and we're talking feathered part down the middle. Instead, we get young Rick Schroeder's combed-forward bangs. Credit for dressing up for photo day in a conservative blue suit.

With his 493 career homers and other things, Fred has a chance, someday maybe, at the Hall of Fame. His book might be a better investment than Grace's.

But is there any wicker chair? Doubtful. And what do these high school elites look like today?

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(Getty, AP)

That's Fred on the right. Gracie's aged a little. Fred gave up his glasses, but Mark found a stylish pair. Seeing is the most important thing. The Cubs should look into hiring Grace for one of their broadcast booths. He's a free agent after the D-backs let him and Daron Sutton go.